Why Do Dogs Bark? Insights into Your Dog’s Behavior
Dogs have the most interesting forms of communication, and barking is probably one of the most common. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do dogs bark?”, you’re sure to have lots of company with this question.
Barking is, sometimes, puzzling, and knowing why dogs do it makes you a very good dog owner. This article discusses why they bark, what different barks there are, and how you can help with excessive barking.
Understanding the Barking Dog
Barking is one of the major natural ways of dog talking. Since humans speak in words, dogs are sometimes compelled to bark. The tone, pitch, and frequency of a dog’s barking may indicate what they intend to say.
Basic Reasons Why Dogs Bark
Just like humans’ dog’s use both verbal and nonverbal cues to communicate with each other’s and their parents. Being a dog parent myself, I know that every bark has a different meaning attached to it.
If you are a first-time pawrent, then it might take a few months to get the hang of things. But just to make your life a bit simpler here are a few reasons as to why dogs bark.
1. Barking Because They are Excited
Have you noticed that even before you open the door to your home you can hear your dog barking, well this is because you are finally home, and your pup is beyond happy that you are here. Isn’t that the best feeling in the world?
If you listen closely, you will understand that this barking is like a howl rather than a growl, accompanied by excessive tail wagging and jumping once you enter your home. Once you enter, they will jump on you, lick your face, and spin around in excitement.
2. Food and Attention-Seeking Barks
If you are a dog parent, then by now you know that dogs are a highly attention-seeking species. They always want your 100% undivided attention, well that is not always possible. And when they don’t get that attention, they will bark at you.
The barking lasts longer, taking smaller breaks in between, as if they are arguing with you, as to why you are not giving them attention. This “argumentative barks” sound hilarious so try to record it if you can.
But this type of barking may have another meaning to it, they might be asking for food. So, during this bark, notice the time, if it’s during their mealtime then they might be hungry and asking for food.
3. Territorial, Anxiety or Fear Barking
When your dog’s playful barks shift into something more serious, a bit more serious be a sign of danger or warning. There can be multiple reasons as to why your dog is barking in such a way.
The defensive barking can occur when your dog senses danger. This can be anything from sensing someone approaching their home or them feeling trapped in an unescapable situation.
When this defensive barking turns into a low and deep growl then it is a sign of warning. The growl can last a few minutes with their neck hair rising, this is a sign that the dog is ready to attack and giving its opponent a last chance to back down.
This reaction is common when they feel territorial or sensing something wrong like a stranger approaching their family or home.
4. Barking Out of Pain
Dogs bark when they are in pain. Rather than a bark it sounds much more than a high-pitched whine similar to crying.
No matter if you are a first-time or an experienced pet parent, you will immediately recognize this bark as a call for help.
Even if you are petting your dog and at a certain place they wince and cry out like that, it means they are experiencing pain at that point. This is when you should rush your pet to the vet for a checkup.
5. Barking Due to Canine Dementia
As your dog gets older, you will see that they are getting up at night and barking at nothing or at no one. Well, this is a sign that your dog is having cognitive dysfunction.
This is quite common in older animals, the reason for them barking is unknown. So, if you see your dog barking in the corner of the room without reason, take them to the vet.
Different Kinds of Barking
Having discussed why dogs bark, let’s see the different kinds of barking. For each kind, there may be a particular need or emotion that the barking points to:
1. The Alert Bark
This bark is loud and sharp; it’s used to indicate warning or awareness of something unusual.
2. The Playful Bark
A playful bark sounds high-pitched and enthusiastic. It comes when your dog plays around, usually when he appears to be happy or ecstatic.
3. The Whining Bark
Whining mostly accompanies barking, usually the anxious stage or a need for attention. It could also be a softer sound showing discomfort or desire for company.
4. The Continuous Bark
It comes in a regular pattern of a constant bark, usually impatient or bored by this stage. It’s annoying and needs to be addressed.
5. Growl-Bark
It has a growl and a bark during a mixed expression of movement or even the intention to do something about what bothers the dog.
A growl-bark is barking and growling. This means a dog feels threatened and wants to show dominance or defend its territory.
How to Manage Excessive Barking
While barking is normal, at times, excessive barking can get problematic. If you keep asking, “Why do dogs bark so much?”, you can consider the following tips on how to manage it:
1. Identify the Cause
When you want to control barking, the first thing to identify is the cause. Listen for the time and reason your dog has for barking. You can keep a journal about this but track the pattern it may have.
2. Sufficient Exercise
Ensure your dog gets sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Provide walks, playtime, and interactive toys to minimize boredom and keep the happy nature of your dog.
3. Positive Reinforcement
If your dog barks for attention, try ignoring the barking until they stop. Once they are quiet, then offer them attention or treats. This tells them that being quiet gets it for them.
4. Commands Training
Teach your dog commands like “quiet” or “enough.” Let them bark a little first. Then gently say the command. While they do nothing, let them know they are being rewarded for being quiet.
5. Socialization
Socialize with your dog with different environments, people, and other dogs. This can minimize fear-based barking and make them more self-confident.
6. Seek Help
If this happens all the time even while you have tried these, see a professional trainer or behaviorist. They can make suggestions suitable for your situation.
Factors of Breeds and Barking
Some breeds tend to bark more than others. Some breeds are known to be vocal.
Examples of Vocal Breeds: Beagles, Chihuahua, and Terriers tend to bark more often. They bark at times for alerting something or even due to playfulness.
Examples of Quiet Breeds: Amongst quiet breed dogs are Basenji and other similar breeds. Such breeds do not bark unless warning of an intruder or barking at a squirrel in the tree. Know your breed of dog to understand his barking better.
Wrapping Up!
For any dog owner, “why do dogs bark” is a very important question because dogs bark naturally as a primary form of expression that may be used for alerting or showing excitement.
Thus, by learning more about your dog’s reasons for barking, it would be easier to provide the proper action for that need and, at the same time, help reduce uncontrolled barking.
Remember that patience and understanding are the way to go. With time, training, and love, you and your furry friend can feel comfortable in the same tranquil environment. The next time your dog starts barking, take the time to listen and understand what he is trying to say!
You May Also Like…
Share
Leave A Comment